Early Look at Ohio State’s Chances of Repeating as National Champs: Could the Buckeyes Do It?
Ohio State football has a rich history of success, routinely competing for national titles, and the 2025 season appears poised to continue that tradition. After a thrilling and successful 2024 season, in which they were crowned national champions, the Buckeyes are now looking ahead to the 2025 campaign. But the question on everyone’s mind is: can Ohio State repeat as national champions?
While the Buckeyes are undoubtedly one of the most talented teams in college football, repeating as national champions is never easy. A championship run requires a combination of sustained excellence, the development of key players, and an ability to stay healthy throughout the grueling season. As Ohio State sets its sights on another national title, several factors must be considered to assess their chances of repeating.
1. Quarterback Play: A Key to Success
In college football, few positions are as important to a team’s championship hopes as the quarterback. Ohio State will be entering 2025 with a new face under center, as C.J. Stroud has moved on to the NFL after leading the team to a national title. His departure leaves a significant void, but it also presents an opportunity for the next quarterback to step into the spotlight.
Kyle McCord, who served as Stroud’s backup in 2024, has the experience and ability to be the next leader of the Ohio State offense. McCord has been highly regarded since his high school days and showed flashes of brilliance when he filled in for Stroud during his absence. However, he will need to prove he can handle the pressures of being the full-time starter and lead the Buckeyes back to the pinnacle of college football.
Another candidate in the quarterback battle is Devin Brown, a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback who could add a new dimension to Ohio State’s offense. Brown’s mobility and playmaking ability could help diversify the offense, but he will need to improve his consistency and accuracy in order to secure the starting job.
Ultimately, the Buckeyes’ chances of repeating as national champions will hinge on how well McCord or Brown can manage the offense, avoid costly mistakes, and step up in big moments. If one of them can rise to the occasion and perform at a high level, Ohio State’s chances of repeating will greatly improve.
2. A Deep and Talented Wide Receiver Corps
Ohio State is known for its explosive passing game, and the wide receiver room remains one of the team’s biggest strengths heading into 2025. While the Buckeyes will have to replace key figures like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr., they have a wealth of talent returning and arriving on campus.
Emeka Egbuka, a dynamic and versatile wideout, is expected to be the No. 1 option in the passing game in 2025. Egbuka has already proven himself as a reliable and explosive playmaker, and he will be tasked with leading a talented but young receiving corps. Julian Fleming, a former five-star recruit, will also play a significant role and could emerge as a key contributor. Both players have the ability to make big plays downfield and stretch opposing defenses.
Beyond the established veterans, Ohio State has a stellar incoming group of freshmen that includes Carnell Tate, Brandon Innis, and Noah Rogers. These highly rated receivers have the potential to make an immediate impact, and their development will be crucial for Ohio State’s offensive success in 2025.
The combination of established talent and fresh blood gives Ohio State one of the deepest wide receiver groups in the country. If McCord or Brown can find chemistry with these receivers, the Buckeyes could once again have one of the most potent passing attacks in college football, which will be a huge asset in their pursuit of a national title.
3. The Running Back Room: A Workhorse for the Offense
While Ohio State’s passing game often takes center stage, the team’s running backs play an equally important role in the Buckeyes’ offensive scheme. Ohio State has been fortunate in recent years to boast some of the top running backs in the nation, and that trend will continue in 2025.
Miyan Williams returns as a senior and has been a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ ground game. When healthy, Williams has shown himself to be a physical, downhill runner who can break tackles and wear down opposing defenses. However, Ohio State will need to ensure that Williams stays healthy throughout the season, as he has dealt with injuries in the past.
The return of TreVeyon Henderson will be a huge boost for Ohio State. Henderson, when healthy, is one of the most explosive running backs in the country, with the ability to break off long runs and provide a home-run threat on every play. Henderson’s combination of speed, vision, and power gives Ohio State one of the most dynamic backfields in the country.
In addition to Williams and Henderson, Ohio State has Evan Pryor, another talented back who could see increased playing time in 2025. Pryor brings a change-of-pace element with his quickness and shiftiness, providing a nice contrast to Williams and Henderson’s power-based running styles.
With such a talented and deep running back group, Ohio State has the potential to establish a powerful running game to complement its passing attack. A strong ground game will be essential for controlling the clock, keeping defenses off balance, and setting up play-action opportunities for the new quarterback.
4. Replacing Key Defenders: Can the Buckeyes’ Defense Step Up?
One of the biggest questions for Ohio State heading into 2025 is how they will replace the leadership and production of key defensive players who have moved on, such as Zach Harrison, Tommy Eichenberg, and Jahmyr Gibbs. While Ohio State’s defense has improved under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the loss of these players leaves some holes that need to be filled.
Up front, J.T. Tuimoloau will be the focal point of the defensive line. Tuimoloau has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the country and will be expected to lead the charge along with fellow returners like Tyleik Williams and Jack Sawyer. However, Ohio State will need to develop depth along the defensive line to maintain consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
In the linebacker room, Cody Simon and Steele Chambers will need to step up as the new leaders. Both players have shown promise in the past, and their ability to fill the leadership void left by Eichenberg will be crucial for Ohio State’s success on defense.
The secondary, which has been a weakness in recent years, must continue to improve in 2025. Denzel Burke, Jahsen Wint, and Jordan Hancock are expected to lead the charge, but Ohio State will need to find reliable playmakers in the secondary to prevent big plays through the air.
While Ohio State’s defense is still a work in progress, the talent is there to become one of the best in the nation. If the defense can continue to improve and become more consistent, the Buckeyes will be well-positioned to make another run at the national title.
5. Coaching and Culture: The Ryan Day Factor
One of the most important factors in Ohio State’s pursuit of a second consecutive national title is the leadership of head coach Ryan Day. Day has established himself as one of the top coaches in college football, and he will be tasked with guiding the Buckeyes through the inevitable ups and downs of a long season.
Day’s ability to develop talent, make adjustments during games, and inspire his players will be key to Ohio State’s chances of repeating. The culture Day has cultivated at Ohio State emphasizes discipline, accountability, and a relentless work ethic, and that will be crucial for keeping the team focused and hungry for another title.
Additionally, Day’s staff has proven to be capable of developing players at every position, particularly on offense. The continued growth of the offensive line, the development of the new quarterback, and the ability to integrate young players into key roles will be a reflection of Day’s leadership and the overall strength of the coaching staff.
6. Schedule and Competition: Can Ohio State Navigate a Tough Slate?
Another critical element to Ohio State’s title hopes is their schedule. The Buckeyes will face several tough opponents in 2025, including traditional rivals like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. These games will test the Buckeyes’ mettle and their ability to perform under pressure.
In addition to their Big Ten competition, Ohio State will also face non-conference challenges that will provide a litmus test for their national championship aspirations. If Ohio State can navigate their schedule with a few key wins over ranked opponents, they will be in position to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion: Can Ohio State Do It?
Ohio State’s chances of repeating as national champions in 2025 are strong, but they will face significant challenges along the way. The quarterback situation is one of the biggest question marks, but if McCord or Brown can step up and perform at a high level, the Buckeyes will have the talent to compete with any team in the country. Additionally, the running back corps, wide receiver depth, and defensive potential all offer reasons for optimism.
With strong leadership from Ryan Day and a culture of success, Ohio State has all the tools to make another national title run. However, they will need to execute, stay healthy, and rise to the occasion when it matters most. If they can do that, the Buckeyes will be in the mix for another championship, and the quest for back-to-back titles will remain very much within reach.
